Whakatāne Marist maintained third spot in the EBOP Premier Men’s Competition with a 57-22 win over Tāneatua in their clash at Rob Shaw Park on Saturday.

Whakatāne Marist came into the clash on the back of the bye, while Tāneatua had suffered a narrow loss to Poroporo.

It was a game where both teams chucked the ball around and looked to score tries from all parts of the field.

Marist player-coach Hamuera Hudson said it was good to get the victory.

“We had a bye last weekend, so we were a bit rusty and took a bit to get going, but it was definitely nice to pick up a win. Tāneatua played well.”

Hudson said their goal was to go there and leave with the five points.

“We’re happy. It was a bit of a stop-start for us at times as we made a few errors, but it was an enjoyable game.”

Hudson said they were improving every game.

“We’ve got some new players this year that haven’t played since high school.

“We have our Fijian contingent, who are a big part of our team, and then we have the boys who are back year after year and really add a lot to the team.”

Like all teams, he said they were nursing a few injuries, but player numbers were reasonable, so they didn’t need to rush players back.

This weekend they are hosting TVC and for Hudson there’s plenty riding on this match.

His nephew, Manaia Herbert, is playing for them and Hudson wants to get one over them.

“We won the first-round match but we know they will be a better team this time. They bring a different style and hopefully I can get one over Manaia.

“He reckons they’re coming here to tip us over, so it should be a good game.

“Having them is great for the competition and they have a lot of boys who have played in our competition in the past, so it’s going to be exciting.”

Hudson said they were taking it game by game but were aiming for the semifinals, something which should nearly be sewn up, if they win this weekend.

“We want to make the semifinals; we’re aiming to finish either second or third. That is our first goal.”

He said it was great seeing different players set up each week.

At Dunderdale Park, a strong Te Teko outfit hammered Poroporo 74-0.

Te Teko put out their best backline of the season and welcomed back key personnel, including Carlos Savage at fullback and Sasu Wihapi off the bench.

Winger Jake Attwood impressed, as did midfield back Cayless Chisholm, who helped himself to another couple of tries.

Poroporo toiled hard but struggled to get on top of the strong Te Teko side.

At Tiwi Black Park, a Zayden Paul hat-trick helped Paroa to a 36-21 victory over fourth-placed Rūātoki.

In the senior reserve competition, Edgecumbe and Matatā battled for the Dean Towler Trophy for the first time, with the former taking the spoils 29-14.

Coach Craig Sinkinson said there was some rust in their performance following a couple of weeks off.

He said they were honoured to be the first team to win the trophy.

It meant there was plenty at stake and the Edgecumbe players were up for the contest.

Second five-eight Akua Pepa ran hard all game, fullback Reijan Williams chimed in nicely from fullback, while Luke Sinkson topped the tackle count and helped himself to two tries.

Hooker Caleb McPhee enjoyed roaming out wide and showing plenty of pace.

Sinkinson said Matatā were right in the contest for the entire clash and that his team were honoured to take the spoils at Matatā’s home ground as it was never easy winning there.

The other senior reserve contest saw Poroporo B default, giving Te Teko B the five competition points.

This weekend sees Paroa B face Matatā, and Edgecumbe welcome Waimana Senior Reserve.

In the premier grade, the other two clashes are Paroa facing Tāneatua at Lawson Park and Te Teko hosting Rūātoki at Dunderdale Park.

Meanwhile, a Mana Howe drop goal scored the Ōpōtiki Premier Men’s team their first win of the Baywide competition, with a 22-20 victory.

Howe’s 40m effort came in the final minute and broke a six-game losing streak for the club in what was their first home game in a month.

It showed they belong at that level, and they’ll be hoping to take that confidence into their home clash against Tauranga Sports this weekend.